Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Graduate Internships 2026 / 2027

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has officially announced its Graduate Internship Programme 2026 / 2027. Unemployed South African graduates are invited to apply for 24-month internship opportunities based at the SMU main campus in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria (Gauteng).

The programme offers structured workplace exposure, practical professional development, and technical skills training across research administration, information technology, enterprise development, financial management, postgraduate administration, and laboratory chemistry operations.

Job Overview & Specifications

Breakdown of Available Internship Opportunities

Applications are open across five primary functional departments:

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ DISCIPLINE BREAKDOWN & REFERENCE NUMBERS                               │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 1. Research Information Management System Intern ── Ref: MQA2026-RIMS │
│ 2. Business Development Officer Intern ───────────── Ref: MQA2026-CFERI│
│ 3. Finance Intern (X2 Posts) ──────────────────────── Ref: MQA2026-FIN  │
│ 4. Postgraduate Administration Intern ────────────── Ref: MQA2026-PGA  │
│ 5. Laboratory Technician Intern ──────────────────── Ref: MQA2026-LAB  │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Role Overviews & Academic Qualification Requirements

1. Research Information Management System (RIMS) Intern — Ref: MQA2026-RIMS

• Educational Qualification: Diploma or Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Core Responsibilities: Assist with research outputs administration, research reporting, system administration, user support desk queries, and human/animal research ethics management systems.

2. Business Development Officer Intern — Ref: MQA2026-CFERI

• Educational Qualification: Diploma or Degree in Commerce, Business Management, or Entrepreneurship.
• Core Responsibilities: Support entrepreneurship initiatives, business incubation activities, enterprise development projects, student entrepreneur programs, and emerging businesses within the Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CfERI).

3. Finance Intern (X2 Posts) — Ref: MQA2026-FIN

• Educational Qualification: Diploma or Degree in Finance, Accounting, Financial Management, or a related discipline.
• Core Responsibilities: Assist financial administration teams with expenditure tracking, invoice auditing, budget monitoring, and institutional financial reporting.

4. Postgraduate Administration Intern — Ref: MQA2026-PGA

• Educational Qualification: Diploma or Degree in Office Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Core Responsibilities: Provide secretarial support to university committees, assist with postgraduate student administration, coordinate external examiner appointment workflows, and manage physical/digital records.

5. Laboratory Technician Intern — Ref: MQA2026-LAB

• Educational Qualification: Honours Degree or Master’s Degree in Chemistry.
• Core Responsibilities: Support active chemistry research projects, assist with undergraduate practical demonstration sessions, manage laboratory safety compliance, oversee daily lab operations, and maintain chemical inventory stock control.

General Eligibility Requirements

Applicants across all SMU internship streams must satisfy the following criteria:

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
• Employment Status: Must be currently unemployed.
• Qualification: Must hold the complete, recognized qualification specified for the chosen internship.
• Submission Compliance: Applications must be submitted strictly before the closing time on the deadline date.

Mandatory Documentation Checklist

Applicants must compile and attach the following supporting documents in PDF format (clear, legible copies only):

1. Comprehensive, updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
2. One-page Motivational Letter outlining your interest and suitability for the selected position.
3. Certified copy of your South African ID Document.
4. Certified copy of your Grade 12 / Matric Certificate.
5. Certified copy of your Complete Academic Record / Transcript.
6. Certified copy of your Official Qualification Certificate.

Format Warning: Image files (e.g., JPG, PNG) and password-protected PDF files will be automatically rejected.

How to Apply via Email

Applications must be submitted electronically via email to:

• Application Email: tshepo.sebesho@smu.ac.za

Email Subject Line Formatting (Strict Rule)

Your email subject line must strictly follow the format below, replacing Name Surname with your full name:

• RIMS Intern: MQA2026-RIMS | Name Surname
• Business Development Intern: MQA2026-CFERI | Name Surname
• Finance Intern: MQA2026-FIN | Name Surname
• Postgraduate Admin Intern: MQA2026-PGA | Name Surname
• Laboratory Technician Intern: MQA2026-LAB | Name Surname

Multiple Applications: Applicants applying for more than one stream must submit a separate email application for each post.

Important Application Guidelines

• Strict Deadline: Applications close promptly at 16:00 on 06 November 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be evaluated.
• Communication: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by SMU Human Resources for interviews.
• Feedback Window: If you do not receive correspondence from SMU within 30 days after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the closing date for the SMU Graduate Internship Programme?

Applications close on 06 November 2026 at 16:00.

2. How much is the monthly stipend for SMU interns?

Successful candidates receive a monthly stipend of R9,000 per month for the duration of the 24-month program.

3. Where are these internships located?

The placements are based at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, Gauteng.

4. What qualifications are needed for the Laboratory Technician Intern position?

The Laboratory Technician role requires a minimum of an Honours Degree in Chemistry or a Master’s Degree in Chemistry.

5. Can I submit my application documents as JPG images?

No. All application files (CV, letter, ID, transcript, certificates) must be attached in clear PDF format. Image files and password-locked PDFs are not accepted.

6. Where do I send my application?

Send your application email with the appropriate subject line to tshepo.sebesho@smu.ac.za.